Matthew Lloyd will be ‘staggered’ if all 12 banned Bombers stay with Essendon

Essendon champ Matthew Lloyd says he’ll be ‘staggered’ if all 12 banned Bombers remain with the club next year.

While he hopes the dozen players handed 12-month doping suspensions continue their careers with Essendon, Lloyd told 3AW he didn’t expect that to be the case.

‘Just the emotional toll it’s taken ? probably losing three years in their prime of their career,’ Lloyd explained on Sports Today.

‘I’d be staggered if all 12 were loyal enough to stay.

‘I won’t begrudge any of them, if they end up playing at another club next year.’

Lloyd said he didn’t expect Essendon to figure in finals any time soon, a factor which could contribute to possible departures.

The five-time All Australian went on to back the appointment of Brendon Goddard as captain while Jobe Watson serves his suspension.

‘It was a no-brainer,’ Lloyd said.

Click PLAY below to hear Matthew Lloyd share his thoughts on Essendon.